Why Privatizing Government Services Would Hurt Women Workers

Using the Current Population Survey, this report analyzes the implications of privatization for women workers, especially those employed in low-end occupations. Women disproportionately depend on the public sector for jobs that pay decent wages and offer benefits. In part, higher wages and better access to health and pension benefits in the public sector can be attributed to higher rates of union coverage. Suggests that privatizing government services will have a negative impact on women workers, especially those who are most vulnerable.